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Prairie Winds

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First Demi Barone The few minute wait to arrive there, was just as bad as the four day wait to see his face. We finally reached my stop around 8 pm. “ Remember be home by 10. ” “ Yea yea, I know. I ’ ll see you later. ”  I said trying to convince my dad to leave already. I stepped out of the car and didn ’ t even turn around to wave. Only one thing was on my mind and I couldn ’ t wait to find him. The moment his eyes met mine I knew he was worth the wait. I couldn ’ t get to him fast enough. Just the thought of being enclosed in his embrace made all air in my lungs escape from me. Even being a few feet away was killing me more. Finally I was in his arms, where I belong. “ I missed you so much ”  I exclaimed while I berried my face in his chest and taking in his scent. I wasn't even sure if he could understand what I said, I just couldn't help but say it. “ I know I missed you too. ”  He replied with. Of course he heard me. He could hear a mouse wheeze in another room, if given the chance. “ What do you want to do tonight? ”  I attempted to look around the park to find something to do, but the dim lighting stopped me from seeing much. However, I did notice an illuminated fountain half way across the park. The fountain ’ s sea green gleam revealed a path leading straight towards it. I didn ’ t know which one I ’ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">d rather look at, the pretty light or his pretty face. My face must have given him a clue though for he grabbed my hand and started towards it, dragging me along. We trotted to the fountain and plopped down on a bench not a foot away. Mesmerized as I was, I could still feel his unblinking glare as set on me as mine was on the fountain. Finally tearing my gaze off the fountain, I looked at him. His eyes peered into my soul. All I could do was smile and stare in to his eyes. I felt his warm hand touch my chin and slowly pull my face towards his. No matter how many times I deny his advances he always kept trying again. //When are you going to give up? Ha ha ha I love your persistence though.// Just before our lips touched, I had to intervene. “ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sir ” <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I whispered softly. Disgruntled he pulled back just a little bit. “ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I know, I know. It ’ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">s just so tempting though. ” <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I smiled at his small defeat. “ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was so close, just …” <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> he started to ramble <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I interrupted him with “ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Just kidding ” <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> then gently lunged for the kiss. //If we were doing this, it// // ’ ////<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">s on my terms //<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. A small snicker found its way up my throat.

Tia & Dakota Demi Barone <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Walking with them was slightly depressing. Watching their connection together, it makes me wonder why I ’ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">m ever with them when they are together. Why I torture myself over and over with the constant reminder that I ’ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ve never been that happy with a significant other. //What// // ’ ////<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">s wrong with me? Do I try to hard //<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">? Questions like these run through my mind as I watched them move perfectly in sync. <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> These thoughts were interrupted when the sprinklers spurred to life, forcing me to realize that my paced had slowed to a stroll rather than looking like I some place to be. I looked up to see them a good few feet ahead of me. I doubt they even noticed I wasn ’ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">t there. I watched in awe as he lifted her off the ground and moved her to the other side of him so she wouldn ’ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">t get dowsed. He treated her as though she was a fragile, antique doll that would get ruined if wet. I knew that he put a lot of time an effort into how he looked, however he would sacrifice his look anytime to preserve hers. And I knew that she loved him enough that she didn ’ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">t care if the blue from his freshly done hair ran down his face making him look like a smurf or if the water made him smell like a wet dog. All I could think was the three little words that meant so much “ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">the little things ” <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. For the sake of having fun he stopped and cupped his hands together to catch some water and splash her with a few droplets. She retaliated with a playful 'ninja' kick to deflect the sparkles of aquatic prisms which in turned lead them both to laugh. I leaked out a small giggle, towards their banter, that went unnoticed. <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It was at that moment when I realized that despite the constant reminders, when their little cloud of happiness and warmth even barely brush against you, it seeps through your skin, muscle, and bone and courses through you. It cancels out the negative thoughts and horrible feelings. Even if for a second, when that sample of how they feel for each other made it worthwhile. It made almost all of my thoughts and feelings dissolve into nothing. <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> What made the rest of them disappear was a sudden cold feeling that washed over my face. It took me a moment to look up to see her getting ready to launch some more water. “ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello?! Earth to you. Anyone home? ” <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> she sang. I knew that if I didn ’ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">t answer, that cup of water was going to make me look like I had an 'accident', so I stampeded toward her. I scooped her up, and dropped her in the watered down grass. She looked at me with a look of half disbelief and half 'oh aren't you funny'. “ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That ’ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">s what you get. ” <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I giggled. “ <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You guys coming? ” <span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> he said down the sidewalk. I helped her up and we took off to catch up.

Swimming Demi Barone <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I approach the water. No breath for the calming, stillness has captured it and taken it for itself. No words, selfishly the water has taken that too. I long to be part of this beautiful scene ’ <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">s grace, to be one with it. At the edge, I lean over to see the disappointment that is my reflection. I want not to see this. My fiery rage crawls up my back engulfing me. I want to destroy this beast. Let this image be no more. My, now broken, watery face consumed my fist, leaving me with the immediate regret that I had disrupted the peace of my friend. Nothing did this water on me, but gave me utopia. Unworthy is me to feel such happiness. I lose my grip and fall in. Like a child playing with a yo-yo, the water forces me down but only for a brief moment when it repents its action and slowly pulls me back up. How can this be? That innocence shall mercy me? Reluctant I am in return. I wish not to again meet the air. So, motionless I remain, hoping never to surface again. Refusing my wish, the current turns me to face the unwanted. I float with no effort on my part. I finally become that which I wanted to be part of, the stillness of this relaxing water. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> True happiness, brought me freedom, is this water. Within the binding of this water I am yet still free to do whatever pleases me. If I chose speed, I paddle to my heart ’ <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">s desire. If I chose to be soothed, I pace my limbs. If I chose submission, I dive. If I chose a peaceful end, I remain submerged. All my choices are lined with happiness. Just a choice, what more is there to ask for? However, unable am I to choose which choice. Such this curse, should fall upon me. Happiness in my reach, but only if I were to have such fingers to touch it. Oh, cruel you be, reality. What hate you do bestow on my heart. Cursed is me, to just be me.


 * Healing Mishap by Keaton Davies - Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 04:22 PM ||
 * || "Where the hell is Kate!?" Roared Cael, one of the parties only magic user. "She was supposed to join us for this dungeon Crawl hours ago!" he continued, launching magical arrows in groups of three at the monsters in front of him.

"I don't know Cael, you know how Kate is, she is a ditz of a healer, she always seems to pop-up when we need healing the worst, and disappears just in time for when we need a resurrection." Arric, the bowman, said. "What do you think Ash, do you think Kate is showing up any time soon?" Arric said directing his attention to the tall swords woman who was busy hacking away at a group of nearby monsters.

"Dunno." Was Ash's short reply before she did a graceful swirling dance making contact with several vital spots on the monsters. She looked over at them before returning to her hack-and-slash approach to getting through the hoard of monsters that were dormant until Arric accidentally stepped on a trip-wire. Waking up every sleeping goblin and every tired ogre in the cave, and trust these adventurers, Goblins and Ogres are NOT morning people.

Before they could even kill the next monsters in front of them a petite blond headed healer appeared with a big smile on her face in the middle of the group through a blue ring of energy. "Hello Everyone! Sorry I am late, I got caught up in Capital with a bunch of young kids that needed to have some minor injuries tended to." She said brushing her hair over her shoulder. "Now...who needs to be healed?" she asked looking at her party members who just shot her an angry glare before returning back to the hoard in front of them.

"Ooo Cael, is that another Magic Arrow?" Kate asked looking at the young Cael, the half-elf. He stood taller than kate, but not as tall as the man Arric.

"Cael has been studying hard to become the Capital's next Sage-General." is all Arric said before sniping an Ogre in the eye and watching it fall backwards on top of a group of very startled goblins. He sighed and ran a hand through his short salt and pepper hair, with more pepper than salt. "did you know he has already mastered creating a razor wind?"

"Kate. Heal." Ash interrupted pointing at a gash across her arm where there was a gap in armor.

"Alright Ash, you know, you should really talk more, guys like tall women, you really should think about getting yourself a man, y'know, I mean you can only hope to stay a strong adventure for so long before guys lose interest in you, I mean you have Arric, but he is old enough to be my dad, and Cael, but if you tried to get his attention you would practically be robbing the cradle!" Kate said completely ignoring the fact that Ash needed to be healed.

Ash just sighed and ignored the wound and continued to attack as Kate continued on her tirade

"Why exactly do we have the two most strangest women in our Dungeon-Crawl group?" Arric whispered to Cael who just wiped sweat off his forehead and continued his magical assault on the hoard.

"I dunno, you tell me, Ash is so quiet and reserved and then we have Kate, the ever talkative Ditz of a healer..." Cael said summoning an Earth elemental out of the rocks nearby and commanding it against a group of Armoured goblins.

"Well, you know I have never been very good with women...."Arric trailed off shooting another ogre in the face. "I mean when I was ten, I got my first kiss from my local village girl, my parents got mad at me later because she was an elf, but hey, she kissed very well for a twelve year old."

"How...interesting..." was all Cael said before his elemental crumbled and he let out a string of elvish profanities. "Guys, this isn't going well...KATE get busy!"

"I know...its just Ash should really think about talking more...I mean she is so pretty and tall and exotic, I think that if she were to talk more she would really get a whole lot of male attention." Kate continued waving her staff around absentmindedly.

"Kate. Heal. Please." Ash asked again, the wound bleeding fairly badly. Cael was busy fending off three goblins with his staff that his magic had missed. Arric was now knee deep in imps that were too quick for his arrows.

"ahahaha, guys...I think we are in trouble...Kate tell us that you have that resurrection spell mastered this time right?" Arric said kicking at the imps with little to no effect. Cael was sprawled out on the floor, and Ash was staggering about from blood loss.

"Oh yeah. I have been practicing!" Kate said twirling her staff in her hand and dropping it. "...a little." She added meekly. Arric quickly removed a small dagger from his belt and continued to hack his way out of the pile. "Kate...how did you manage to practice Resurrection if it requires the target being dead?"

"You know the big empty lot out side of the large city? The one with the rocks with names on them? Ahhh Yeah thats where I practiced!" Kate said smiling "Is that bad?"

He just looked at her and sighed as he kicked the remaining imps off of his legs. "That is called a cemetery Kate. The people there are supposed to be dead."

"Oh." Kate added, her smile disappearing for half a second before getting bigger again. "Well...they thanked me...I think. most of them just sort of groaned like. 'urrrrrrrgh' and shuffled forward toward the city. I took it as a thank you." She said putting her staff behind her back.

"Well. That explains the Zombie outbreak in the city a few days ago. Here Cael kept trying to tell me it was a natural occurrence." ||

Kate Biegler Alone I know I am dead, because there is nothing beautiful left in my life. Nothing.Now, I am in limbo.This place is not a dream, for my dreams ceased when his did, when his died.May is the last month I remember.Lying in a bed that wasn’t ours, he assured me, “There is no last time, only a last breath.” then he smiled. I remember meeting that smile when I was fourteen years old.Every jagged piece of our souls fit together. We were a match. We ignited a fire.My life with him was short. My life without him seemed never ending. Finally, life has concluded. There would be no more nights of crying my wretched old body to sleep. I nearly smile at the thought.When I lost him, my world lost meaning. His heart stopped beating and agony consumed mine. My existence was a hole- empty, dark , unavoidable. Now that I am dead, the recollection of the end of my life is a scar where once a wound throbbed and bled, but now causes no pain.I am thankful for this world of no feeling after drowning in sorrow for so long. I think if I could feel something, it would be contentment. Then I realize he’s not here. I wait for the pang of grievance to wash over me, but I feel nothing.Waterfalls billow into trickling springs. Lush green patches of moss cover every surface my bare feet touch. Water vapor floats in the air above the falls purifying my lungs and mind. Only, I no longer have lungs. This place is my self-created heaven. Every minor detail stems from my most gorgeous daydreams.It is a hell I could have never imagined.I am alone. I long to scream in pain, even as my body feels no pain.Gladly would I walk into slow burning fires, as long as his hand held mine.What kind of evil is this?He is gone. I am nothing. Forever

Alice
Caytlin Hagan

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> Alice had drank the Jaberwocky's blood, transported back to England, and had told all of the rich snobs off. She had been trying to live her life to the fullest but, after her ship voyage she realized she truely did belong in Wonderland.

But there was a problem. It had been five years since she was last there and she hadn't seen the White Rabbit since. Alice walked up to her father's estate and lying on her doorstep was her ticket back to Wonderland. It was the White Rabbit's pocket watch, and he would come looking for it. So Alice wrote a note leaving all of her property and money to her mother, unless she returned. She left her house and went to sit under a tree and waited. Around four in the afternoon she saw movement and stood up, dangling the pocket watch in front of her. Something white dashed out toward the watch. Alice grabbed the thing by the ears. Sure enough it was the White Rabbit. He looked at her and sighed.

"Give me back my pocket watch, I'm late-" "For a very important date," she finished for him. "I know. I want you to take me back to Wonderland." "I'm sorry, Alice, but you're not supposed to go back, not unless Wonderland is in danger." He looked at the ground. "What if I gave you you're pocket watch back and a secret?" She asked, sucking up. White Rabbit looked around, he liked secrets. "Deal. First you have to give me my pocket watch." Alice gave it to him and set him down. He stood still, waiting for her secret.

"First, you have to take me to the hole." Alice said, intent on getting back. So the White Rabbit and Alice walked to the hole. The Rabbit stood in front and waited to hear Alice's secret. Alice sat down and hugged her legs, taking a deep breath. She blew it out and started talking. "I realized while I was away that I loved Wonderland and wanted to live my life there. I also figured out that I fell in love with someone as well. So, if you let me go back to Wonderland, you'll find out who I love because I'm going to ask him to marry me." Alice stood up, dusted herself off and started toward the hole. "Wait! I have something to say." The White Rabbit hopped upbeside Alice and looked her in the eyes. "I'm glad you love Wonderlad, and I hope that the Mad Hatter loves you too. Goodness knows he is still sad you left. This might be the happiest day of his life." And the White Rabbit jumped down the hole followed by Alice. When Alice reached the room of doors she grabbed the key and drank the potion. She unlocked the small door and stepped through.

Beyard was the first to greet her. He took her to the White Queen's Castle. There she was greeted by the White Queen. She talked to her about things and then she mentioned how the Mad Hatter would be gone for a week. Alice sighed a breth out. A week to prepare. Alice asked the WQ if she could have their wedding at her castle if he said yes. She agreed and had her tailors make Alice a dress. Alice smilled when the dress was complete. It matched the Mad Hatters outfit. They spent the week preparing and for when the Mad Hatter returned, with the Cheshire Cat trying to get his hat still. The White Queen and Alice were on the balcony, ready for the nights events. The White Queen left to go get the Mad Hatter. Alice took a deep breath to calm herself. Alice hid from the view of the open balcony doors. She could hear the White Queen tell him she had a "Surprise for him." Then she said come out. Alice stepped through the doors and smiled at the Mad Hatter.

"You're...you're back." He said, not taking his eyes off of her. Alice giggled and said, "You know it's nice to say hello to someone first." She walked up and hugged him. "Yes, I'm back." Mad Hatter squeezed her tightly and let her go. "That's spectacular, but why are you here? You shouldn't be." Mad Hatter looked at the White Queen confused, who just smiled back at him. "What's going on?" He asked, ready for anything. The White Queen made everyone get out. Just as the last person left the White Queen said, "We'll give you a private few minutes. Have fun and good luck." She left and closed the door. Alice pulled the Mad Hatter to the balcony to tell him. "How are you Mad Hatter?" She asked, looking at the white trees in front of the castle. "I'm not sure. I want to consider a word that starts with.......P." He stared off into the other direction. "Did you ever figure it out?" Alice asked. "Figure out what? Why the birds are so quiet around me, why the sun seems darker when my flesh is in it's sight, why the wind doesn't blow at me anymore, or why the stars won't shine anymore? No, I have not, but I'm starting to think I do. It's all because of you Alice. You left Wonderland and it's sad you were gone. In fact you left everyone. No one has been happy." He looked down at his clenched hands and released them. "I'm sorry I was sad to leave, I didn't want to. But I had to go back, I had unfinished buisness. Now that that buisness is done, I came back to Wonderland. I want to stay here, with you." She turned to look at him. "What are you saying? You'll stay here and you won't go back, never ever again?" He asked turning to look at her. "That all depends upon how you answer the next question. Mad Hatter, while I was away I realized I love Wonderland, and I love you. So, will you marry me?" Alice asked, shaking from nerves. The Mad Hatter put her hands together and covered them with his, looking Alice in the eyes. Smiling he said, "I accept." "A word that starts with P? Perfect. Let's go tell the White Queen the news. She'll be happy to hear about it." Alice started taking off. But this time the Mad Hatter stood his ground and Alice didn't pull him anywhere. This time the Mad Hatter pulled Alice back to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her tightly against him. He leaned forward and kissed her gently. Alice was at first caught off guard by the kiss, but when she realized what was happening she relaxed and started to kiss him back. Lifting her arms, Alice put one hand the back of his neck while the other one pressed on his back. After a few seconds, Mad Hatter pulled back and smiled at Alice, content for the moment. They released each other and hand in hand left the balcony to go tell the White Queen he had said yes.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> The White Queen was so happy to hear he had said yes that she immeadiatly sent for a male and female tailor to make the bride's dress and the groom's suit. After the measurements, the White Queen took them to the kitchens to pick out food and such.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> The last three days have been busy for them, but they managed to sneak out of the castle back to the Mad Hatter's favorite place...the Rabbit Windmill. They sat down at the Dining Table, Mad Hatter at the head of the table and Alice right beside him.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Well, this has been a very busy few days." Alice said yawning a little, tired of all the running around. Mad Hatter clasped her fingers and kissed the back of her hand. Alice smiled tiredly at him. There was a comfortable silence between them as Alice enjoyed the sunlight. The Mad Hatter blew out a huff of breath and stood up. Alice was standing to follow him but he motioned for her to sit down.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "I'm not sure I'm going to do this right but I'm willing to do it." The Mad Hatter got down on his knee and took Alice's right hand. Out of the wrapping around his hat he pulled out a ring. Alice gasped at how beautiful it is. It was silver with and Onyx round stone, holding the onyx and silver together were saphire swirls. Mad Hatter squeezed his eyes shut trying to remember how to do this.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Will you...Alice...be positivly wonderfully mad with me?" The Mad Hatter smiled, waiting for Alice's answer. Alice however was stunned. She looked at her frilled skirt, trying not to cry. But water streamed down her face anyway and she tried to cover her face with her hands, not wanting to let him see. The Mad Hatter was shocked, not sure what to do. He thought maybe this is too good to be a true, and that she would never really love him, and that made him sad. He fell back to sit down on the ground, devastated that she had started crying. "I see. Well, then I'll leave and hopefully wake up from this nightmare." The Mad Hatter stood up and walked off, leaving Alice to cry.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> When Alice finished she opened her mouth to answer him, but he was gone. On the ground was the beautiful ring.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Hatter! HATTER!!" Since she couldn't find him she took off to look for him. After a couple hours' walk Alice came to hear something strange. Something that doesn't belong in the forest. It was singing. Further investigating lead Alice to find the Cheshire Cat laying on a tree branch, high off the ground. Cheshire stopped singing and disappeared from the branch.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "What is it that you wanted Alice?" The Cheshire Cat asked poping up behind her. Alice spun around to look at him.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Me? Ummm....I was wondering if you have seen Hatter?" Alice asked, feeling intimidated by the cat.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Oh? Well, I should like to tell you that a rather dilusional hatter passed this way. He seemed rather....upset to me. Hmmmm, I wonder why Alice. Did something happen between you two?" The cat said eerily swimming through the air. Not wanting him to be sneaking into things he shouldn't be in, Alice told the Cheshire Cat that nothing was wrong.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Which way did he go, if you don't mind my asking?" Alice asked.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "You know Alice, I must say that I'm dissapointed I haven't recieved a thank you yet."

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Thank you for what?"

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "For being mean to the White Rabbit. You see, I have ways of hearing things I shouldn't hear. So, I stole the rabbit's pocket watch and used it to transform into an identical one. That one you used as bait to get your transportation back here. My plan worked out perfectly, if I do say so myself." The cat swirled around Alice.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Thank you. Please, which way did he go?" Alice asked, worried. The Cheshire Cat disappeared and reappeared in the way Alice was going.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Keep going this way until you get to the red lampost. Then go to the right and keep walking. It was nice chatting Alice." The Chesire Cat started to disappear.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Wait! I invite you to come to our wedding!" Alice said as the cat disappeared.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> Alice walked and walked until she came to a red lampost that was glowing a bright blue. Then Alice started to walk right. She walked until the sun went down, until she felt exahusted.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> When Alice thought she could walk no more, not without falling asleep she heard loud booms coming from up ahead. When she reached the devastated burned ground and buildings she saw him. He was pissed off, very upset, and his eyes had changed again. The Mad Hatter was breaking what was left of the burned and scared buildings. If Alice remembered right, this was where the Queen of Hearts first started her evil reign, where the Queen of Hearts stole the White Queen's crown. This place held memories for the Mad Hatter and yet he was destroying it. Alice walked out from behind the trees. The Mad Hatter stopped and looked at her, then turned around and started kicking things down again. Alice thought that this had gone on long enough.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Hatter stop." Alice said, her voice loud enough for him to hear, but not harsh enough to make him stop. So the Mad Hatter continued destoying the scarred buildings.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "HATTER!! I SAID STOP!" Alice yelled as loud as possible. The Hatter turned to look at her, his eyes back to normal. He started to look at the destruction he knew he caused but he looked like he always did, like it wasn't him who did these things. His shoulders slumped.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "I'm sorry," was all he said. Alice walked up and took his hand.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "What happened? The happiest moment of my life occurs and when I look up you've disappeared!" Alice said, moving to stand in front of him, looking up into his face. Mad Hatter looks back, slightly confused, and says; "But, you were crying. I thought you didn't want to marry me. I thought maybe I had said it wrong, but I guess now.....that I didn't."

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> Alice started laughing and said,"I was crying tears of joy, not sorrow, or anger." Alice hugged the Mad Hatter. "I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I was so happy. If there was anything that I really wanted to keep from my world, that would be it. It just caught me off guard and I really was happy. Who told you to do that anyway?" Alice asked stepping back. The Mad Hatter grinned, "The same person who got you here."

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "The Cheshire Cat? That is so....like him. I guess. Oh! Here, you dropped the ring." Alice pulled it out of her pocket and handed it to him. The Mad Hatter grabbed Alice's right hand and went down on one knee again, repeating himself, while Alice cried again. This time though Alice got her answer out. "Yes, of course I'll be mad with you." The Mad Hatter stood up and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her. Alice started laughing and crying harder, just barely getting in a "Why can't I stop? I'm such a mess!" They wrapped an arm around each other and started toward the White Castle.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> When they got back the White Queen said something under her breath about people being to long. She ushered both of us to our own rooms to get our clothes for the wedding refitted. Alice was just wondering how far away the wedding was and how many people would be there. Thinking about it gave Alice butterflies.So when the White Queen came into her room, gasping more like it, Alice asked how long it was until the wedding and how many people were coming. The White Queen said that it was in two days and everyone who lived in Wonderland was invited to come. Alice thought for a bit and then asked who the person, who is marrying them, is. The White Queen smiled and said "March Hare." Alice laughed. She thought that was wonderful.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "White Queen, I'd like you to be my Maid of Honor." Alice asked. The White Queen looked puzzeled.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "What is a Maid of Honor?" Alice took a breath and started explaining to the White Queen that the Maid of Honor was the third most important person in the wedding. It is a part played by the bride's best friend. The person the bride trusts most to run her wedding smoothly.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Of course I'll be your Maid of Honor." Alice huggged the White Queen and explained to her that the Mad Hatter should have a best man. She explained to her that the best man is the same as the Maid of Honor, but the best man must also be able to know what is going on at all times. He must be a friend of the groom since they were very little. Then she said to go ask Hatter who he would chose, but not to tell her. Then Alice said that she and the best man should have outfits too, but to not show up the bride and groom. The White Queen laughed and said that would be impossible and left.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> When the White Queen came back she looked shocked. Alice asked if she was okay and the White Queen answered she was fine. Alice changed back into her clothes and left to go eat. Just as she was sitting down Mad Hatter came in. He kissed her on the cheek and started looking at the array of food left out. He chose a cup of tea and some scones. While Alice had cheese and some weird kind of grape drink. They sat across from eachother and ate looking occasionaly out at a tree or down at the white marble countertops.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "I can't believe that it's only two days away. I'm getting nervous. Ha ha ha." She said trying to lighten the mood she had. The Mad Hatter stared at her for a couple of seconds and then he spoke.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "I'm not so nervous. I'd like to think that maybe I'm more of a non-worrier. That if I ever did worry I'd remind myself that I'm not the only one." He smiled at her and took her left hand, kissing her ring finger, where another ring would go. Which brought a question to her mind.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Hatter, where did you get a ring? It's not like there are any metal smiths here in Wonderland." Alice was excitingly waiting for his answer. The Mad Hatter looked down at the table and took in a breath.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "It was my mothers'." He looked up at Alice to see her expresion. It was what he imagined it would be. Shocked beyond shocked. She was shocked into not speaking. Alice's head exploded into so many questions that it hard to tell which one was most important. One stood out above the rest.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Your mother's? Who else knows?" Alice leaned in to look at him, because he was looking down at the table.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "I suspect that there is only one creature, besides you, that knows about me. I never told him, but he has his ways of knowing things. Like you I came here as a small child but I stayed here the first time." The corners of his mouth pulled up a little. He stood up and put his tea cup on the marble countertop and took a last bite out of a scone. Alice stood and repeated him but instead set her cup on top of her plate. She turned to look at him. She hugged him and inhaled. He smelled like pine and dust. She smiled and started to walk off. But she remembered something else.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Hatter, all day tomorrow we can't see each other. It's known to cause bad luck for the future. So if you know that you might see me then turn and walk away. I think there is a reason for this. It is so for when the bride and groom see each other the next time, it will be when the bride walks down the aile. It's for when the time comes the bride and groom will be reunited, when they're being united. I think it's sweet." So Alice walked up to the Mad Hatter and grabbed the flaps on his suit jacket, pulling him down to kiss her. "Tomorrow is going to be boring." Alice said walking away to go to her room to sleep. The next day carried on and on for more than just one day according to Alice. She spent most of the day in her future wedding dress, the dress she would wear tomorrow. When she married the Mad Hatter. The thought gave Alice a smile and her stomach became butterflies again. Then Alice thought about what the Mad Hatter said, surprisingly it calmed her. She walked down to the kitchen to get some food. When she got there though the Mad Hatter was there, sitting with his back toward Alice. Alice turned around to leave when she heard another voice. She recognized it immeadiatly, it was the Cheshire Cat's voice.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "So, the marriage is tomorrow. Nervous?" The cat asked the hatter.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Like I told Alice, no. I know that just as long as other creatures are there that we won't be the only ones who are completely nervous."

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Oh? You're sure you're not uneasy? Not second-guessing about her?"

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Why would I be doing that? I know that I love her, so she is to me, my life from now on. There are no second guessings with me about her."

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Why not? She is after all, not from this world." The Cheshire Cat glanced at Alice and back to the Hatter, who didn't notice.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Well, neither am I. But I suspect you already know that?" The Hatter looked at the cat, who smiled.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Why wouldn't I? I know, about how you came here when you were a child, who do you think gave you your mother's rings?" The Cheshire Cat looked at the food and disappeared, grabbing another peice of cake and another cup of tea. The Hatter dropped his spoon, looking at his tea that had spilled on the table.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "You didn't steal it from her did you?" The Mad Hatter asked, starting to sound a little like his darker self.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Don't worry, you can't really steal things from the dead." The Cheshire Cat bit into his cake. Taking a drink from his tea cup while a silence came between them. The Hatter stood and took his cup and plate with him, placing them like Alice the other day.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "My mother is dead? When did that happen?" Mad Hatter turned around and looked at the wall beside the door where Alice was standing, Alice almost gasped as realization hit her. His mother was dead.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "As you know, time passes slower in Wonderland so to us it would have been quite a while ago. But on the other side I believe it was sometime in the early 1800's. She died of natural reasons. Quit getting upset, it happens."

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "How....How did you know where she was going to be burried?"

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "She was what they would call a 'wealthy' person. She had good blood. Be proud of that. Remember, you're getting married to Alice tomorrow!" The Cheshire Cat said his good bye and left the Mad Hatter to think to himself.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> Alice ran down the hall and into a closed off room. A few minutes later she herd the hatter go whistling by. When Alice couldn't hear him anymore she came out and went to go eat. She was not alone for long.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Are you mad that I stole from his mother to give him the rings that he would one day put on a girls' finger, to marry her because he loved her?" The Cheshire Cat asked, swimming around Alice and back to his tea cup that he left. The cat sat across from her and took a drink. Alice sipped hers while deciding on what to say.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Sort of. I guess. I don't think 'creatures' should steal. Even if it was from a corpse." Alice looked down at her cake, not wanting to eat it anymore.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Don't worry, it was a one time deal. Besides, there is no one else to rob for." He chuckled to himself.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Exactly how did he get here?" Alice asked.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "The Hatter? That's an easy one. He fell down the hole, like you. Except the White Rabbit who brought him here was the White Rabbit's great-grandfather. That's why no one else knows. The White Rabbit died, keeping the secret. I helped the Hatter. I taught him how to make hats and that was how he became to known as the hatter. The Mad, well you've seen why. He has quite the temper."

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Hmm. That's a lot to take in. Thank you for the conversation Cheshire. But I must be going to bed now. Sorry for keeping you up." Alice got up cleaning off her plate and setting it identical to the Hatter's.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Alice, good luck tomorrow and good night." The Cheshire Cat cleaned and placed his dishware on the countertop as well. Then he disappeared, and Alice breathed out a sigh. Alice walked back to her room and changed for bed. She sat down and looked at gown that was across the room from her. She loved the dress, and she smiled to herself as she thought about tomorrow. Alice covered up on her bed turned out the lamp and fell asleep with a smile on her face, peaceful thoughts swirled in her mind.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> Alice woke up to look at the ceiling of her room in the White Castle. 'Today I'm getting married,' she thought while sighing. Alice felt really tired as most brides do on their wedding day. She sat up in bed to find the Cheshire Cat laying across the seat of her vanity mirror. He got up and stretched then floated over to Alice's bed and layed down again.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "What are you doing in my room?" Alice asked the cat, clearly annoyed for having to see him so early in the day.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "I thought I should be the first to welcome you to the day of your wedding. I suppose you might be nervous?" The Cheshire Cat asked Alice, looking out the corners of his eyes. Alice once again thought of the Mad Hatter's answer to the same question just the day before and shook her head.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Well then, eat, get changed into your dress, and then I'll come back to take a look and see if I approve. See you in a little while." The cat disappeared through the crack in the doors to leave Alice to eat and change. That morning Alice had some toast with apple jam and some cold tea to wake her up. Then Alice took a bath, something new that she had brought to Wonderland. Alice did the last button on her dress and stood up on the platform in front of the large mirror. She looked very beautiful, but something was missing. The Cheshire Cat started to clap behind Alice. Alice whirled around to look at the cat.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Stunning, if I do say so myself. Is it comfortable?" The cat said swirling around her.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Yes, quite comfortable. Is everything in order or is something not right for you?" Alice said, starting to get really annoyed by the cat.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Something is missing....I think even you agree with that. I might have just the right thing....stay here." The cat disappeared, then came back with a necklace make of four circular light saphire stones, silver swirls, and blue ribbon. A perfect match for her black, white, orange, and blue dress, and it reminded her of her first dress she came in to Wonderland. The cat sailed through the air going behind Alice. Alice lifted her hair up and the cat put on the necklace. Alice's hair fell back and she looked at the mirror. Perfect. She looked as beautiful as any bride does. Alice was happy, but at that moment she was interupted with some bad news from the White Queen.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Alice, the March Hare is missing. I have some knights looking for him so it should only be a few minutes. Hello Ches!" The White Queen greeted the cat, finally realizing he was in Alices' room. Slowly her face turned into concern. Alice smiled at the queen, letting her know that everything was alright. That's when the White Queen realized Alice was in her dress. The queen gasped, shocked by how beautiful Alice looked.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Oh my! Alice you look so...so beautiful!! Can I hug you? I wish to be the first to hug you!" The White Queen came up to her and smiled. Alice nodded, blushing a little from the queen's praise. The queen hugged Alice and sighed, saying "I can't wait for you to go walking down that aile. It's going to be....perfect! I can't wait to see the Mad Hatter's expression! He's going to be shocked! Oh, he's so lucky to have you!" She walked out of the room, beeming.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Wait! White Queen, I have to tell you something!" The White Queen stopped and came back into the room.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "What is it?"

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "You walk down the aile before me. Tradition. I swear! Hatter and his best man are to be standing at the end of the aile, down at the alter." The White Queen looked at Alice and sighed.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Alright, I'll go tell the Hatter. Be back in a little while," and the queen walked of the room.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> Alice went and sat down on her bed. She breathed in and out slowly. The Cheshire Cat came to sit on the bed beside her.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "You should relax. It's all going to go smoothly if I have anything to say about it."

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "It seems you really do care about the Hatter."

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Yes. I consider him to be...a son of sorts. We of course can't stand each other at times, but it all works out in the end with us." The White Queen came back into the room and the Cheshire Cat said his good bye and left.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Alright, the March Hare is back and everything is set. Are you ready to go?" The White Queen asked, looking at Alice, with her head cocked to the side slightly.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Yes, I am ready." Alice stood walking over to the White Queen. The White Queen handed Alice her boquet. It was made of black and white roses with peacock feathers around the outside. Alice walked down the hall, down the major flight of stairs, and stood off to the side. The White Queen went first, and when the doors opened, Alice could hear the hushed murmer from the many creatures inside. The doors closed and Alice stood behind them, she took a deep breath and the doors opened, a blinding white light filled her eyes as she took her first step into the Ball room.

The first thing Alice saw was the Alter. It was a giant tea cup rimmed with lights. Alice smiled, it was funny to her. The next thing she saw was how beautifuly the room was decorated. White candles were everywhere, and down the aile there were black bows with tall black candlebras. She started to hypervenilate when she saw how many people were sitting in the room. Halfway down the aile, Alice saw the March Hare, who was twitching nervously, and just as she saw the stairs up to the alter, she saw the Hatter. He was dressed exactly like her. He smiled and took her hand. They turned to look at the March Hare who said; "Creatures of all k-k-kinds, we are here at this m-m-m-m-moment to honor this day as the day that the Mad Hatter and Alice are wedded. D-D-D-Do you have the promises?" The March Hare looked at them both and the Hatter and Alice jumped, realizing they forgot their vows.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Well then. Cheshire, could you possibly...go get their vows please?" The March Hare asked the cat, making Alice realize that Hatter's best man was the Cheshire Cat. This shocked Alice, just as it had with the White Queen. The Cat disappeared and a few minutes later came back with the vows. Both were white paper scrolls wrapped up, one with a blue bow, the other with an bright orange bow. The Cat handed them their own scrolls, Alice the orange, Hatter the blue.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "Ladies first." The March Hare looked at Alice, who unrolled hers and cleared her throat.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "When I was a little girl I came to Wonderland in a dream, and that was how I treated that magical journey, a dream. I had told my late father about this dream and he assured me that all of the best people are mad. Several years had passed and I forgot about Wonderland. Until the White Rabbit brought me back to Wonderland, and I started to remember. Little had I know that the whole time I had been here, I was falling in love. Not only with Wonderland, but with you as well. By the end of my wonderful journey in Wonderland, I had fell in love with the Mad Hatter. So, after a short trip back to my home I realized that this place, Wonderland, is my home. I belong here with the Mad Hatter. I would like nothing more in my life than to live here with him." Alice stopped talking and looked at the March Hare, letting him know that she was done with her vow. The Mad Hatter cleared his throat and started with his vow:

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "When you first came to Wonderland, I saw a pretty young girl. But then she left. I was shocked to find that she would come back several years later. And in that short time she gained my trust, respect, and most importantly, she became my love. I couldn't stand to see you get hurt. I asked you the question, Why is a raven like a wrighting desk? I still don't have an answer, but maybe in the future we'll find it out together." The Hatter stopped and looked at the March Hare signaling his end.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "If anyone sees a problem with these two getting married please speak out now." There was a short silence, then the hare continued. "Then the Mad Hatter and Alice are now married. Hatter, you may kiss your bride." The Mad Hatter smilled and pulled Alice close. He kissed her and wrapped and arm around Alice's waist. They broke apart after someone in the audience cleared their throat. Alice turned to the audience and said loudly, "Let the party begin!!" And everyone who had come to the wedding stayed up late and danced the night away, and the hatter performed the Futterwacken dance. Near total night, the Hatter dragged Alice back to the Alter.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> "I forgot to give you something." The Hatter said. The hatter reached up to his wedding hat and pulled one last ring from the wrappings. It was silver, with a pearl in the center, but on top of that pearl was a minature top hat made of onyx. Alice smiled as the hatter put the ring on Alice's left ring finger. He pulled her tight against him and lovingly kissed her.

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> That is the end of this tale. As far as anyone knows, Alice and the Mad Hatter live in a new home, created as a gift from the White Queen. The March Hare had brought them a half and half tea cup. The Cheshire Cat had brought them something they weren't expecting, a patchwork bib. And the Dormouse had made Alice a tiny tea cup bracelet and the Hatter a matching male version of Alice's tea cup bracelet. By the end of their first married year Alice had figured out how a raven is like a wrighting desk, but she wouldn't tell the Hatter. So now we must leave the wonderfully insane couple to their own life, until the next time that is.......

=Rain= Jimmy Dolan pushed his hat back from his forehead as he opened the door of his Ford truck. The bluestem grass reached up past his boot tops; some of the seed stalks waved above his head. He pulled a green stem from the ground, put it between his teeth, bit down. The tangy juice tickled his tongue. “It’s ready,” he thought to himself. “I’ll start swathing tomorrow.” Timing is everything when it comes to putting up prairie hay. Too soon and the leaves of grass don’t have the protein that is so important for livestock in the winter. Too late and the grass won’t have a chance to recover before the frosts of fall burst the chlorophyll cells. Prairie is a living entity that developed under the pressures of seasonal grazing, and haying mimics the animal harvest. It’s just that a swather is so much more efficient at mowing down everything in its path. It doesn’t stop to taste the leaves like herbivores do. The metal sickles slice through stalks and stems and the header auger moves the foliage into windrows to dry and await the bailer. Jimmy imagined the field dotted with bales; he would get enough to fill both the barn and the hayshed this year the way it looked. Should be enough to sell for extra cash, too. He smiled to himself as he drove back to the machine shed to service the tractor. The weather the next morning was not what he expected. He watched the forecast on the television; the chance of rain stood at 50%. He didn’t like the odds, but he started the tractor, hooked up the swather to the draw bar, connected the hydraulic hoses that controlled the height and angle of the implement, and headed under cloudy skies to the hay field. “It will be alright,” he reassured himself as he bounced along in the John Deere 4020 cab. “Those weather stations never do get it right. If I don’t put this field down today, I miss the chance to bring in a bumper hay crop.” Jimmy needed this hay crop if he was going to keep his farm and ranch operation. He had borrowed money from the bank to buy cows three years ago, just before the cattle market took a serious nose dive. The banker gave him one more season to pay back the loan, but the interest was piling up on the $50,000 he had spent on the cows. The land was already mortgaged to the hilt and the wheat crop had been nothing to brag about. He had planned to have everything paid off by July, but without a good hay crop he was going to have to sell most of the cows, and if he lost them he wouldn’t be able to make the payment on the land. He certainly couldn’t afford to buy hay for the winter, not with the cattle prices as low as what the Kansas City Board of Trade was reporting on the futures market. He had to hang on until prices turned around or he would lose it all—the machinery, the cattle, the land, the house. He figured he’d lose his wife, too. Betty was already tired of the years of scrimping and hoping, pinning all of her dreams for the things she wanted on next year’s crop. Seemed like by the time next year rolled around, though, Jimmy had already spent the money they’d made paying bills from the year before. It was a vicious cycle they were in, and he wasn’t sure how to get out of it. He’d promised Betty a better life again and again, but he wasn’t sure if she believed him any more. They had money troubles and marriage troubles. He’d been wrong too often in years past, and he could see the wheels of regret turning in her head. She was still good looking enough to find somebody else, but the clock was ticking for her and for him both. He had to get this hay crop put up, dry and in the barn; that was all there was too it. He was half an hour from finishing swathing the field when the sprinkles hit the cab windshield, turning the dust collected there into long smears of mud. He cursed under his breath; this was not good. Jimmy finished the windrow, then pulled out and parked the tractor near the edge of the field. He swung open the door to the tractor cab and climbed down the slippery step to the ground. His boot heels sunk into the soft earth. The sprinkles turned into a hard rain, soaking the prairie, the tractor, the hay. He pulled off his hat and turned his face to the heavens. The rain was falling so hard that he didn’t even know he was crying. Don Wagner March, 2010

Oh The Places You’ll Go? By Tyler McKellips

Do you know what will happen in the future? I do. I received a letter from myself from the year 2020. What was in it changed my life forever. Here’s what it said. Dear Tyler McKellips,

Hello, me. Three ghosts from Christmas past will visit you tonight at midnight. I’m just joshing you. This is you from the future, 2020 to be exact. Crazy, I know. But hang on and listen. This is what you need to know. One of the most important things that happened was racism was completely destroyed. Strangely, though, Jesse Jackson was very upset over this monumental occasion. Why, you ask? He doesn’t have a job anymore. America has gotten even fatter. I didn’t think it was possible! 89% of all Americans are officially obese. I, for one, am not obese by today’s standards. I only weigh 315 pounds. I’m rather proud of myself, since I do work at McDonalds. Oh, by the way, don’t drop out of college to help this guy named Chet. He’ll call you and say he has a great job opportunity for you if you send him money. He still hasn’t sent me back that two thousand dollars I gave him. We don’t force our children to go to school anymore. We are so overrun by illegal aliens that we have to exterminate some. These nasty visitors don’t really look like E.T. though. They are quite disgusting looking. They look like a mix of Owen Wilson’s nose on Taylor Lautner’s face with Danny Devito’s body. Rather disturbing to me. Just to let you know, you will have five kids but never get married. John, Paul, Ringo, George, and Optimus Prime. Way to go, Tyler! No one ever gets married in the year 2020. Our highly paid scientists researched long and hard to figure out that marriage is the leading cause of divorce. One of the hit blockbusters thats showing in our all-4 dimension theaters is Saw 17, the Revenge of the Neighbor of Jigsaw’s Apprentice. You can almost feel the drill pierce your temples. The number one show on television is still Survivor. They are still staying in remote and useless locations. This season is going to be one of the best yet-- Survivor: Nebraska. Music has become completely out of control. The days of good artists with bad drug problems have been replaced with bad artists with even bigger drug problems. The infamous Keith Richards, resident druggy and guitarist of the proverbial Rolling Stones, complained, “These kids nowadays are absolutely insane!” We even have a new way of documenting time: B.K. (before Ke$ha) and D.K. (During Ke$ha). There’s a hit book that just came out. The name of the book is //Sunrise//. It is about a Frankenstein monster that sparkles in firelight and falls in love with this girl. I don’t know much about it, because it is more of a chick flick. I remember you loved sports at this time of my life, so here is a sports update. China may have passed us as the number one world power, but we beat them in the Olympics because they got disqualified for having a four year old in gymnastics. The MVP of the NFL is Brett Favre and his team, the Green Bay Packers, won Super Bowl 54. Brett threw a touchdown to his son Gregg to win the game. His son has decided to retire, citing old age, while Brett is still “uncertain.” I know you’re a betting man, so listen here. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will win the Super Bowl in the year 2011 and the Detroit Lions will win it in 2012. Also the San Francisco Giants will win three straight World Series, with Barry Bonds as their strength and conditioning coach. Unfortunately, the New York Yankees purchased all of major league baseball the next year. Tiger Woods was divorced by his super model wife, who took half of his fortune. After the shame and embarrassment, Tiger got back into golfing, but every one of his previous endorsements dropped him, except one--Hooters. I hope this helps me and you in the future. Wait, did you not heed my warnings, nothing has changed? Everything is the same? So, I must’ve done this before, damn.

Love, Tyler Ray McKellips A.K.A. You (or me--this time travel stuff is so confusing)

So, that’s the letter. I read this note and thought one thing—FAKE! One, because there is NO possible way that the Lions could win the Super Bowl; and two, because that guy with the job offer was extremely confident that his plan would work.

Fade By Abby Chastain
I tilted my head towards the sun. The wind tickled my nose twisting my lips into a smile. I closed my eyes letting memories flood my mind. A bomb went off not two hundred feet from us. I felt the earth rattle. My eyes flickered open. Everywhere around me was chaotic. The tan uniforms were blurring together. The screams were mushing together creating soft murmurs. I stood there watching colors spin around me. Not out of fear, not because I was stunned, but out of my lack of caring. “Run!” a familiar voice broke my barrier. I knew he was yelling, but it came out a whisper. I watched the bullet rush towards me. It penetrated my right side thrusting me back. Within seconds I crumbled to the floor. “Ryan!” Davies yelled. “I can’t die.” I muttered. Davies pressed against my side making me wince. “You won’t die!” “I hate you,” My lips hinted towards a smile, “It’s your fault.” “Ryan, stay with me buddy.” With each pulse blood gushed and a memory came. The darkness was pulling me in. “Help’s coming.” Davies’ voice was fading. “Can you hear me?” “I, I shouldn’t o-of join, joined.” My words were sliced with sharp breaths. “Ryan, buddy, talk to me.” His voice was urgent, fierce. The dark was comfortable, safe. With the dark brought a memory. It was me and Davies. We were six. “//Shh, come on.”// // We crept through the sand box and found our way to the fort. // // “They’re coming.” Davies stifled a giggle. // // “Attack!” I yelled, leading the way down the slide. // // We tackled the “enemies.” // // “Daddy!” I cried. // // “Ryan! Hey Davies.” He laughed, standing up. // // “I missed you.” I wrapped my arms around his thick waist. // // “I missed you too, son.” // // “I’m gonna be just like you when I grew up, Sergeant.” // “Ryan! Ryan! Dude, please talk. Say something.” Davies voice ended the thought. I laughed, then groaned. “Ow. Do you remember when we were kids,“ I paused and took a staggered breath, “And we pretend, pretended we were in the army?” Davies chuckled, “Yeah. I thought war was different. Ha.” “Yeah, There’s no breaks for lemonade.” “No. No there’s not.” Davies shook his head. He went silent, letting me fade away. // The soft, pretty music was the only sound in the room. I stood there watching them fold the flag. They handed it to me. I blinked away a tear. My mom sat there watching me, silently crying. // // I returned to the pews. Davies patted my back. Tears flooded my eyes, streaming down, soaking my collar. // // “Don’t cry. I doubt the Sergeant would want you to cry.” // “Ryan, man, come back to me.” It was harder to fight off the darkness. The hold was almost stronger than my will to return to the voice. He shook me sending a shock through the hole in my side. I inhaled and counted to three before releasing the breath. “Davies,” I started. The throbbing in my abdomen was increasing. Every slight movement was magnified by the aching. “Ryan,” his voice was intense, “Buddy, I’m sorry.” “For what?” “You said you hate me. And it’s my fault. I made you give up everything. Chloe, college, your mustang… your life.” “Nah.” I half smiled and shifted my weight slowly. My voice was jagged. “ I wanted to be the hero. I was, ow, um, the one who put this in your head.” “But that was like, what, when we were ten. Your dad just died. Of course you would want to honor him.” I sighed, quickly regretting it. “Ah, don’t worry.” There was nothing left in me. My will to survive was overpowered by the hold of the dark. The sharp stab in my side was deadening. My eyes fluttered open. It was bright. I sat up slowly, testing the pain in my side. Numb. I made my way over to my jacket. Easing the jacket over my bandage, I gazed in the mirror. For once, I realized what I wanted. It wasn’t to serve in a war. Nor was it to be a hero. My goal, my wish was to be happy. It had been twelve years since I was shot. It was misting outside. Everywhere around me was peaceful. I walked the long trail to my usual spot. I’m thirty today. Crazy, huh?” I chuckled without humor. “Chloe is pregnant with another one. She’s finally getting her girl. Sammy and Jack are pretty inseparable now. They’re always playing army, sound familiar buddy?” I sighed, trying to gain composure, “You know Jack, he’s looking so much like you now. And, he’s been talking to Sam about joining the military when they grow up. They’re gonna go, you know, and it’s gonna be all your fault.” I laughed sharply, wiping away a tear. “I always talked about being the hero, and, turns out, you were the hero all along. I miss you, man.” I laid a few of my son’s army men beneath the stone reading “Davies” and walked away.

A MEDITATION ON AS

As is such a little word---just two letters. Yet it is such a powerful word it is often the fulcrum of a thought, which changes some seemingly simple phrase in to powerful thought that allows us to ponder consequences and visualize the world around us.

Comparisons of two things often use the word as. For example we say, “Tom is as tall as….” And Tom’s height is immediately something we can visualize. It can be ironic comparisons such as “Ellen is as funny as a cell block at Folsom prison,” or it can add meaning to a sentence when used as in the phrase “ It will be done as he desires.” Just two little letters, one little word but such power.

Lately the word as in one particular statement has been dominating my thoughts. Are you ready for it? Here it is “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Wow does the word as ever pack a; punch in that line.

As we forgive sure lays the action right on us. Forgive us as we forgive. Oops does that mean we will be forgiven in the same manner as we forgive someone who has hurt us. That is a scary thought because forgiving is not something most of us find easy to do.

Sure we can let the “little things” go easily. Somebody slams us verbally and we can shrug it off but have we really forgiven it or just ignored it. We can forget and forgive those who see us do something stupid and laugh because we know they too will do something not quite smart someday. These little forgivings are painless and leave no scars.

Forgiving the big things that is the tough stuff of the phrase “ as we forgive” the betrayal by a friend or spouse lingers long after the actual act. They scar our souls and our hearts. Such big things seem to be unforgivable and revenge is so tempting. Yet if we want true forgiveness for our own mistakes big or small, forgiving those betrayals is almost a commandment because of the little two-letter word as.

Think about it. If that as means our forgiveness is to be given in the same manner we forgive others, most of us have to begin to practice real forgiveness and most of us will in truth have to really work at it. As is the pivot upon which the concept of forgiveness takes on a ne meaning that puts a task out there for us to fulfill.

So I find myself looking within to find how I practice forgiveness. Do I allow little bits of lingering bitterness weaken my forgiveness? Do I limit my own forgiveness because I cannot truly forgive?

As one little word, two little letters but oh such power.

Mary Devries

__The Longest Fight__ In a small well kept animal shelter; you can hear barking and meowing echoing though the walls. The cages we are in are very comfortable. The people here are very gentle and kind. There are several silver cages though out the room. My cage is on the left, on the floor but second to the last. I am Ares; a pit bull dog with brown-black fur. I am still trying to get used to the things around me. A white and brown spotted pup is in the cage beside me. I introduced myself to the pup and asked the pup for his name. The pup nervously responded with saying his name is Freckles. Well, Freckles let me tell you about my history. My father was one of the many dogs that were in dog fights. Freckles interrupted by asking how it was to have a dad in the dog fights. I explained it was kind a neat till he disappeared and then it went down hill. Now let explain more to you. His statements were truthful but scary to me. When I was 7 months old he told me once that the fights were held in the middle of the day and how merciless the dogs were in fights. He went on to tell that after piercing his opponent’s throat he would be able to taste his opponent’s salty metallic blood and all he could smell when entering the ring would be fear, blood, and death. He went on to that the gamblers would try and hide the fights by dragging dead bodies of dogs and sometimes had a look out for the men in blue. I remember at one of my father’s fights; people and dogs started running and the people shouting something strange. That was the last day my old owner had him and the last day I saw him. So when my father left he began to train me. He would have me fight old, scrawny, ill dogs first; to bust up my confidents and skills to fight. Then it to alley walkers the out casts or in one word strays; I would let them strike first. Then I would sink my teeth into their legs or throat. Then the day of my first fight came around. I was to go against an older dog named Shark because of my skills to fight made me able to go against older dogs. For once I understood what my father meant when he said “all I could was fear, blood, and death.” I entered the arena to fight my opponent. Shark to the first strike and got my ear. I lashed out my fury and got his right hind leg. He stumbled for a minute then got some of his balance back. I got ready to make the final strike. The target is….the throat. Just as I stuck the men in blue entered and stopped the fight. One of the men in blue started to walk up to me. I got scared and attacked. After that every thing went black and woke up to a bright light. There were people all around me and they had blue sheets on with white rubber hands and muzzles. I tried to leave but I was chained to the cold silver bed and I was muzzled. The people with rubber hands started to fix my injuries. Ciara McMaster

The Waiting Sea

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"> Just like the beating of a heart the waves hit the rocky shore in a rhythmic and fierce pace, sometimes quick then slow and a few always be there. The waves would never cease to roll in and out over the rocks, wearing them down every day. As the last lights of dusk drew dim her blank eyes gazed towards the sunset as if searching for something in the emptiness. In truth, the young woman could spend all eternity watching the light dance over the shattered mirror sea as she waited for his ship to appear over the horizon. Chilly fingers of ocean water would tickle her feet from time to time as she sat there in her plain linen dress. Beside Alison was a sketch book. Not any usual sketch book, this one had a brown worn leather cover and had stayed closed for countless days. None of the drawings hidden between the two covers were of her own crafting. Finally the last beams of sunlight gave away to darkness, and the reflection of the moon became vividly clear on the water. Because night was fall, she might consider heading back to the town that laid behind her yet Alison sat there. Soon the sky was dominated by the night, the stars were a thousand pearls thrown carelessly upon waving black velvet. Yet looking into the void of darkness she stared with empty eyes as if there was something her pulling on the strings of attention with a firm grasp. Carelessly the sea threw what seemed to be a thousand glass shards which rained down. As each one fell they casted a blue hypnotic light until her vision was smeared with brilliant sapphire ambient light. As soon as the light had glowed, it vanished revealing a perfect summer afternoon. Warm breezes blew through her long feathery raven hair, scattering a few pieces into Alison’s face. Crystal tepid water washed over the rocks as crowing seagulls flew over head. On the rock in front of her he finally reappeared in the same state she wished to see him. In his face still held the color of life, skin seemed to be warm if touched, and his signature green eyes were lit with life. “I am been waiting so long to see you again. What could have taken so long to meet me?” Alison inquired as the young man sat across from her. “I had to wait until you were ready to see me again” Jaden answered as he sat there with a smile which reminded her of a purple cat’s. “So my dear Allison what did you do today? Did you go out to the meadow to pick a banquet of bachelor buttons and daisy? Or did you travel down to Wall Street where the little woman in a red scarf who selling those beautiful stone jewelry” he went on listing all the places he knew she loved to ventured to. Quietly she answered saying in the morning the chores were done and once the afternoon sun had risen in the middle sky the young woman had sat there waiting. “Waiting for what? My dear you know you cannot see me when the sun goes down. You should do something for yourself for once, go enjoy the life you have” Jaden commented as he came in closer to her, each fiber of Alison’s being beckoned to reach out for the lost. With a hint of bitterness in her voice Alison whispered “But if I leave, if I wander away for one day then when you come back then there will be no one watching you.” Discouraged the young man lead back, creating a further distance between them. “Alison dear you know I have been gone and I am never return to you my love in this life” Jaden began the bitterness rising in Alison. Gathering in the corners of her eyes were crystal drops of hidden pain with a dash of frustration. Rising violently to her feet Alison screamed out in pain which had been suppressed “Don’t speak in such a way! Everyone back at the village thinks the ship you were on will never come back to the bay and you are feared dead. I do not want to believe them at all! They do not see the things I see. One day as I sit here on this rock the boat will float back, anchor, and you shall return, meeting me in the field of lavender as you promised the last morning I saw you.” With forlorn eyes the young man looked at his one, the girl who had been everything. “Why have you failed to return? Did you forget I was here?” she muttered looking teary eyed towards Jaden still in brown linen pants and white shirt, the crew uniform. Rivers ran down her cheeks creating raindrops which fell, and landed in the ocean where they disappeared forever. “I don’t want to forget you existed Jaden as everyone else has” Alison sobbed in chocked words and pauses. After inhaling deeply the young woman continued “No one here seems to hold any desire to remember you. None recall the fact you lived here, your parents have stopped hoping and your mother has ceased praying for your return. If I leave this rock for more than a day then…I might forget you as well.” Admitting the truth hurt the worst, it felt as someone had knocked the wind out of her chest, held her by the throat, and breathing became hard. Suddenly there was unfamiliar warmth touching her face like brilliant sunlight on a clear spring afternoon. Reaching out was Jaden, only his warmth was felt for nothing was physically there. For many months only the warmth of his memories managed to escape the limits of mortality and become immortal to a degree. Whispering like a light spring breeze in her war Jaden inquired if she could ever truly forget him. “I want you to do something for me Alison” Jaden began in his soft unchanged voice. “Beside you sits my old worn sketch book which is filled with my ideas and visions of nature. My last wish for you is to pick the book up, return to town where everyone is, and show them all those wonder things trapped between the covers. That is my last wish my love, if they view those images the pictures haunt them, making me utterly impossible to forget” the young man requested with a kind smile which never seemed to wash away. Looking to her side where the worn brown leather sketch book laid lonely with filled pages which had not seen the light of day since evening lit departure. “Alison I have to return now, I will see you soon my dear” he fare welled as the sunlight began to give away to night’s darkness. Another spray of ocean water showered over the young woman, ambient blue light flooded her vision then faded away to the moonlight dancing on the shattered mirror sea. There sat the book in an almost mocking way for the item was the last piece of Jaden left and yet the young man had requested for the memory to be rip from her hands. Gently she slide the worn dairy into her hand, the soft leather malleable and droopy. First sorrow over took the young woman held Jaden’s work, inside a cold which no sweater could ever hope to extinguish. Did not the young man know parting with such a precious object would cause emotional pain which would be the physical equivalent of a sword slowly carving out a heart shape hole in her chest? Following the stern agony of stern agony of melancholy was bitterness; she felt alone and cheated by fate. Like a rush of wildfire rage blazed into her heart. In a flare of anger Alison threw the book into the dark sea screaming “Why should anyone else have you if I can’t” Soon as the leather sketch book left her hands a sharp shot of regret rushed through her as the precious object was swallowed up by the dark, forever lost among the endless waves. Smoldering the anguish held as Alison knelt down. “I’m so sorry Jaden” Alison whispered in tones muffled by sobs. Tiny crystals dropped into the sea as the stars performed an elegant dance on the shattered mirror before her. Crawling in the waves lurched forwards to the rocky shore then retreated as fast as it came. After wiping the last wet tears from her eyes the young woman looked down on the rock which had become so familiar. To her unexpected delight another proverbial object laid peacefully as if nothing had happen. Mostly dry the journal with the worn brown leather cover as if the sea knew the young woman longed for the treasured belonging to be once again in her hands. Gently Alison reclaimed the book and this time held it so tightly, one might think those hands would never let go. As requested Jaden’s drawings were shared with the towns people who would the well crafted drawings to be rather intriguing. Luckily every picture had been masterfully formed in graphite. One was of a ship, the sails were spread open, and wind blew into them. Even the flags and crest on the main sail had been expressed in elaborate detail. Another was of the town with the piers reaching over the rocky shores, old coble stone streets leading up into the hills, and houses with white washed walls shattered among the high grounds. All the pages of the book with the exception of one which was given to Alison by the Ali family, Jaden’s set. Drawn on the page was a picture was Alison sitting among the flowers in the lavender field. Her feathery raven hair blow waving in the invented breeze and a gentle smile on her face. On the back of the page there was a poem written by Jaden which read: <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">My dear I am the sea, I am the cool spray on your face, The changing of tides, Bitter salt that stings your eyes, The waves embracing you. Since I am the sea, I am always here, For the sun cannot dry any ocean, I’m the roar of the waves Humming you to sleep. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;">Just like the beating of her heart the waves slapped the shoreline at an almost constant pace with few missteps. Laying down to sleep for the night the sun fell over the blue tinted mirror as the ocean moved on. Without a word Alison stood on the coastline, arms out stretched, and breathing in the salty, raw smell of the ocean. One thing anyone could trust was the seven waters would dry up. As the sun fades and returns in the morning surely the tides would change and the waters would be restless. Staring out over the waters Alison stood there as the sea sprayed onto her face as the a few sea birds called over head as they flew by. Splashing the ocean sent hands out with grabbed around her then let go while waves roared against the rocky shore. Walking Alison turned towards the town saying “Jaden Ali did come home after all” then strolled back to village.

Jennifer Miller